Detectives stop well-organized heroin trafficking ring from NJ

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Officials with the Wilmington Police Department made an announcement Thursday morning about a significant heroin arrest.

Detectives said a six-month investigation resulted in the arrest of eight people from a drug ring out of New Jersey.  One is facing murder charges in New Jersey and two others had a one-year-old baby with them.

During the arrest, detectives also seized marijuana and $6,700 in cash.  All eight people will face charges in New Hanover County before being transported back to New Jersey for charges they face there.

Officials said the eight people were operating a well-organized heroin trafficking ring and are believed to be distributing it to gangs when the arrived in the Wilmington area.

Detectives estimate they have sold about 30,000 doses of heroin per month since they started coming to the area.  Each dose has a street value of $20 each.

Police Chief Ralph Evangelous says this proves there is a huge demand for heroin in the area and the drug leads to other crimes like stealing and violence.  While detectives were able to stop this drug ring, Evangelous said there is still more heroin on the streets.

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